willhaben succeeds in competition law disputes together with DORDA over the slogan “Austria’s largest car exchange” against AutoScout24.

Vienna, 7 April 2020 – Under the lead of Andreas Seling DORDA’s IT/IP team has represented willhaben internet service GmbH & Co KG in a lawsuit against AutoScout24 AS GmbH under the Austrian Unfair Competition Act. Since autumn 2018, AutosScout24 has repeatedly advertised with the statement that it is “Austria’s largest car exchange” on various channels. However, this asserted leading position did not exist for all relevant areas. With the support of DORDA, willhaben was therefore able to obtain an injunction against the incorrect advertising. Autoscout24 also had to correct this in a press release.

“We are pleased that we were able to assert ourselves on behalf of our client against the incorrect top position assertion. Such market announcements are particularly sensitive due to their pulling effect. It was therefore important to stop this from happening”, says Andreas Seling. Axel Anderl, head of DORDA’s IT/IP and data protection team and the Digital Industries Group, adds: “This success once again demonstrates our expertise in competition law issues and that we take an effective and pragmatic approach to infringements.”

willhaben is the largest marketplace in Austria, which is particularly active in the car and motor sector. It is owned by Styria Media Group and the Norwegian media group Adevinta ASA, each holding 50%. Autoscout24 is part of the internationally active Scout24 Group and is currently in the sales process.